Orton Geological Museum
A compact, free museum on OSU's campus showcasing global rocks, minerals, and fossils, including an Antarctic dinosaur.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more curator time
Orton Geological Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more curator time

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A compact, free museum on OSU's campus showcasing global rocks, minerals, and fossils, including an Antarctic dinosaur.
"This small museum packs a big punch with its impressive geological collection and friendly curator."
🎯 Chat with the Curator!
Don't miss talking to curator Dale Gnidovec; he's a gem for local fossil hunting tips! :gem:
⏰ Check Hours Before You Go
Hours can be limited (e.g., 10 AM-2 PM mentioned once), so call ahead to confirm! :alarm_clock:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Antarctic Dinosaur Skeleton
Orton Hall
Marvel at a rare Jurassic dinosaur skeleton discovered all the way from Antarctica. A truly unique find!

Glow-in-the-Dark Minerals
Mineral Displays
Discover a dazzling array of crystals and minerals, some of which possess the fascinating ability to glow in the dark.
Fossil Hunting Insights
Curator's Desk
Chat with the knowledgeable curator, Dale Gnidovec, for expert advice on local fossil hunting spots .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weekday Wonders: Plan Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Discoveries
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Chat with the Curator!
Don't miss talking to curator Dale Gnidovec; he's a gem for local fossil hunting tips!
:gem:⏰ Check Hours Before You Go
Hours can be limited (e.g., 10 AM-2 PM mentioned once), so call ahead to confirm!
:alarm_clock:✨ Free Admission Fun
Enjoy this hidden gem without breaking the bank – it's completely free to enter!
:moneywithwings:🦕 Kid-Friendly Fossil Fun
Perfect for kids who love dinosaurs and rocks; they could spend hours here!
:dinosaur:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Chat with the Curator!
Don't miss talking to curator Dale Gnidovec; he's a gem for local fossil hunting tips!
:gem:⏰ Check Hours Before You Go
Hours can be limited (e.g., 10 AM-2 PM mentioned once), so call ahead to confirm!
:alarm_clock:✨ Free Admission Fun
Enjoy this hidden gem without breaking the bank – it's completely free to enter!
:moneywithwings:🦕 Kid-Friendly Fossil Fun
Perfect for kids who love dinosaurs and rocks; they could spend hours here!
:dinosaur:📍 Campus Gem
Located on The Ohio State University campus, it's a quick, quirky stop while exploring.
:map:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Orton Geological Museum as a 'hidden gem' and a 'compact' yet 'impressive' collection. The free admission and the opportunity to interact with the knowledgeable curator, Dale Gnidovec, are frequently highlighted as major positives, especially for families. While some note its small size, the quality of exhibits and the welcoming atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in geology or local history.
"The Orton Geological Museum is a hidden gem. This small yet compact museum showcases an impressive collection of geological artifacts that beautifully depict the city's history. The adjacent library is vast and impressive. The staff are friendly and welcoming. Visitors will appreciate the thoughtful displays and informative exhibits, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in geology or local history. It was a pleasant and enriching experience. I’d say inspiring for the youngsters."
Yousuf Khan
"This is a small museum but packs a big punch. Right in the heart of Ohio State's main campus, the trip there is just as fun. While the displays are very educational, the real gem is the museum curator. Do not leave without visiting and talking with Dale Gnidovec. He spent so much time with us, teaching us about rocks we brought in and sharing ideas of places to go fossil hunting around the state. This is a good visit for those interested in learning about geology. Call and make sure they are open and admission is free."
Darci Untied
"This small museum inside Orton Hall has several interesting selections, especially mineral and natural samples. Buckeyes would love to take a quick tour whenever passing the Oval."
Vincent Lam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Orton Geological Museum is located in Orton Hall on the South Oval of The Ohio State University campus in Columbus, Ohio.
It's easily accessible on foot when exploring the university grounds. Parking might be available in nearby garages, but check OSU's parking services for current rates and availability.While the museum is on campus, parking directly at Orton Hall is limited. Visitors typically use nearby campus parking garages. It's best to check The Ohio State University's parking services website for the most up-to-date information on visitor parking locations and fees.
Yes, The Ohio State University campus is well-served by COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) bus lines. Several routes stop near the Oval, making it convenient to reach the Orton Geological Museum via public transportation.
Orton Hall is an older building, and accessibility can vary. While efforts are often made to accommodate visitors, it's advisable to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific accessibility features and any potential limitations.
Orton Hall is situated on the South Oval, a central and prominent area of The Ohio State University campus. Using a campus map or a GPS app with campus navigation can help you easily locate it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Orton Geological Museum is completely free! It's a fantastic way to experience a unique collection without any cost.
The museum is typically open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..
However, some reviews mention shorter hours like 10 AM-2 PM, so it's highly recommended to call ahead and confirm their current operating hours before your visit.No, advance booking is not required as admission is free. However, if you're planning a group visit or wish to speak with the curator, it's a good idea to contact the museum beforehand.
Based on typical university museum schedules and user reports, the Orton Geological Museum is generally open on weekdays only and may be closed on university holidays. Always confirm hours directly with the museum.
University breaks can sometimes affect operating hours for campus facilities. It's best to check with the Orton Geological Museum directly to see if their hours change during OSU's academic breaks or summer sessions.
🎫 💎 Onsite Experience
The museum features a diverse collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils from Ohio, around the world, and even from outer space.
Highlights include an Antarctic dinosaur skeleton and minerals that glow in the dark.Absolutely! Kids who are interested in dinosaurs, rocks, and gems will find the museum fascinating. It's a great place to spark curiosity and encourage learning about science.
The museum is described as small and compact.
Most visitors find it takes about 30 minutes to an hour to explore, though some kids might want to stay longer looking at the fossils.While some museums have strict no-touch policies, it's always best to observe signage and ask staff if you're unsure. The focus is on viewing and learning from the displays.
The 'geologic time song' likely refers to educational content or exhibits that help visitors understand the vastness of geological time. While not a specific exhibit at Orton, it highlights the educational approach found in many natural history museums.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Being located on The Ohio State University campus, there are numerous dining options nearby. You can find cafes, food courts, and restaurants within walking distance or a short drive from Orton Hall.
Generally, food and drinks are not permitted inside museum galleries to protect the exhibits. It's best to consume them outside or in designated areas before or after your visit.
Yes, The Ohio State University campus offers various unique dining spots. For example, the meat sales at the Department of Animal Sciences or the cafe in the Parker Food Science and Technology Building are mentioned as lesser-known campus gems.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use in most university museums, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions. Tripods or flash photography might be prohibited to protect the exhibits.
The Antarctic dinosaur skeleton and the colorful, sometimes glowing, mineral and crystal displays are visually striking and make for great photo opportunities.
The South Oval itself, where Orton Hall is located, is a picturesque part of campus. The surrounding architecture and green spaces offer lovely backdrops for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎓 Students & Budget Travelers
🤓 Geology Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Curator's Corner: A Personal Touch
This hands-on approach to learning is a key differentiator. While social media often showcases impressive fossils and minerals, the real magic at Orton lies in the human connection. It’s this kind of personalized guidance that sparks lasting curiosity and encourages a deeper appreciation for the earth sciences. For anyone visiting, making time to speak with Dale is highly recommended to unlock the full potential of the museum experience.
A Compact Collection with Global Reach
The displays are thoughtfully curated, offering a glimpse into the Earth's history and the vastness of geological time. While some visitors note its compact nature, the quality and variety of the specimens make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in geology. It serves as a valuable educational resource for students and the public alike, highlighting the importance of geological research and discovery.
Orton Geological Museum: A Free Campus Gem
Being free of charge, it encourages spontaneous visits and allows for repeat explorations. This accessibility aligns with the broader trend of making educational resources more widely available, as seen in other free museum initiatives highlighted on social media. The museum’s commitment to offering its impressive collection at no cost underscores its role as a community resource and a testament to the value of geological education.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit